The Bishop's Blog
Thoughts and reflections from Bishop John Harvey Taylor
Pilgrimage and going blue
Mar 31, 2023
Pilgrims Ron, Michelle, Matt, and Catherine watching live Los Angeles Dodgers opening day action over breakfast Friday morning from Jerusalem. Jesus performed many miracles, but never this!
Daily prayer: For the nation
Mar 30, 2023
Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with...
Pilgrimage album
Mar 30, 2023
A few from my album as a life-changing pilgrimage to Israel and Palestine comes to an end. More reflections to follow en route home Friday.
Daily prayer: Thursday in the fifth week of Lent
Mar 30, 2023
O God, you have called us to be your children, and have promised that those who suffer with Christ will be heirs with him of your glory: Arm us with such trust in him that we may ask no rest from...
Prayers at the Western Wall
Mar 30, 2023
On this rainy Thursday afternoon in Jerusalem, I found a snug, dry spot in the Western Wall for the prayers and intercessions of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, as posted on Facebook during...
Daily prayer: Prayers in the Holy Land
Mar 29, 2023
"The church isn't the building, it's the people," despite having the considerable virtue of being true, is among my least favorite axioms. The family is the people, not the house. But I advise you...
Daily prayer: For shooting victims in Nashville
Mar 28, 2023
Dear Lord, your son lamented because those in authority in Jerusalem killed the prophets you sent. All he wanted was to gather your children in safety, as a hen gathers her brood. In Jerusalem, we...
Bethlehem and ‘The West Wing’
Mar 27, 2023
I’m having a major “West Wing” fuzzy as I wait with fellow Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles pilgrims to enter the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. The episode where Toby reconciles with his dad,...
Daily prayer: Monday in the fifth week of Lent in the Holy Land
Mar 27, 2023
Be gracious to your people, we entreat you, O Lord, that they, repenting day by day of the things that displease you, may be more and more filled with love of you and of your commandments; and,...
Pilgrimage in a time of agony
Mar 27, 2023
We are on pilgrimage in a nation in agony, gripped by the crisis of Israel’s right-wing government’s attempt to take over the judiciary. Agony is not a new experience for Palestinian Arabs living in...
Daily prayer: Fifth Sunday in Lent in Nazareth
Mar 26, 2023
Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and...
Daily prayer: The Annunciation
Mar 25, 2023
Pour your grace into our hearts, O Lord, that we who have known the incarnation of your Son Jesus Christ, announced by an angel to the Virgin Mary, may by his cross and passion be brought to the...